CVE-2011-0638 in Windows
Summary
by MITRE
Microsoft Windows does not properly warn the user before enabling additional Human Interface Device (HID) functionality over USB, which allows user-assisted attackers to execute arbitrary programs via crafted USB data, as demonstrated by keyboard and mouse data sent by malware on a smartphone that the user connected to the computer.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/13/2021
This vulnerability resides in Microsoft Windows operating systems where the security model fails to adequately alert users when additional Human Interface Device functionality is enabled over USB connections. The flaw represents a significant gap in the user consent mechanism that typically should require explicit acknowledgment before allowing new device capabilities to be activated. When a user connects a USB device such as a smartphone that contains malicious HID functionality, the system automatically enables these capabilities without proper user notification or explicit consent. The vulnerability specifically affects the USB HID driver implementation and the associated device permission handling processes that govern how USB devices are recognized and integrated into the Windows security framework. This behavior creates a dangerous precedent where malicious actors can leverage the trust relationship between the operating system and USB devices to bypass traditional security controls.
The technical execution of this vulnerability involves attackers crafting USB devices or exploiting existing devices to send specially formatted HID data that triggers automatic functionality activation within Windows. When a smartphone or other USB device containing malicious HID components is connected to a Windows computer, the system's USB HID subsystem automatically enables the device's capabilities without prompting the user for confirmation. This automatic activation occurs because Windows does not properly distinguish between legitimate device functionality and potentially malicious HID implementations. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it operates at the kernel level where device drivers are loaded and executed, making it difficult to detect and prevent through standard user-space security controls. Attackers can leverage this by creating USB devices that appear benign but contain HID functionality designed to execute arbitrary code when connected to a target system, effectively bypassing traditional application whitelisting and user permission controls.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends far beyond simple privilege escalation as it enables sophisticated attack vectors that can compromise entire systems. When a user connects a malicious USB device, the system automatically grants HID functionality access that can be exploited to simulate keyboard input, mouse movements, and other human interface operations. This capability allows attackers to perform automated keystrokes that can launch applications, execute commands, or manipulate the user interface to gain further access to the system. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it can be exploited through user-assisted attacks where the user's own actions create the attack vector, making it more difficult to defend against through traditional security measures. The attack can be conducted through various USB devices including smartphones, tablets, and specialized hardware that supports HID functionality, making it a broad and accessible attack surface for threat actors.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on both immediate system hardening and long-term architectural improvements to the USB device handling mechanisms within Windows. Organizations should implement strict USB device policies that limit the automatic activation of HID functionality and require explicit user consent before enabling additional device capabilities. The Windows security model should be enhanced to include more robust warnings when HID functionality is enabled, particularly for devices that are not recognized as legitimate or trusted. System administrators should consider implementing USB device filtering mechanisms that prevent unknown or untrusted devices from automatically activating HID functionality. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-284 which addresses improper access control in operating systems, and can be mapped to ATT&CK technique T1059 which covers command and scripting interpreter execution. Additionally, this vulnerability demonstrates characteristics of T1071 which involves application layer protocol usage, particularly in how malicious HID data is transmitted and executed over USB connections. Organizations should also consider implementing device trust models that verify device authenticity before enabling HID functionality, and establish monitoring procedures to detect unusual HID activity that may indicate exploitation attempts.